Research Scientist – Virology and Antibody Characterization

Pantophlet Laboratory | Faculty of Health Sciences | Simon Fraser University

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Appointment: Full-time, on-site

Duration: One-year term, renewable subject to funding, research needs, and satisfactory performance

Salary: CAD $60,000–$75,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus applicable benefits and entitlements in accordance with SFU policies

Position Summary

The Pantophlet Laboratory at Simon Fraser University is seeking a Research Scientist to contribute to research on antiviral antibodies and immune responses to viruses with pandemic potential.

The successful candidate will conduct hands-on experimental research involving mammalian cell culture, virus-based assays, antibody characterization, and the development and application of functional assays to evaluate antiviral activity.

Current research activities include studies of influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and paramyxoviruses, with an emphasis on antibody discovery, characterization, and neutralization. This is a primarily laboratory-based research position, suited to a technically versatile scientist who enjoys experimental work, troubleshooting, and developing reliable assay workflows. It is not a postdoctoral position.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, perform, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments involving viral infection, antibody binding, and neutralization.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, transfections, and cell-based assays.
• Conduct and support pseudovirus-based and other virus-related functional assays, including VSV-based systems.
• Perform real-time cell analysis (RTCA) and other quantitative assays to evaluate virus infection and antibody-mediated inhibition.
• Conduct antibody characterization assays, including ELISA, flow cytometry, and other relevant methods.
• Prepare experimental reagents and maintain cell lines, assay controls, and research materials.
• Develop, optimize, document, and maintain experimental protocols and assay workflows.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain accurate laboratory records, and contribute to internal reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and external research partners on funded projects.

Depending on experience and research needs, the successful candidate may also contribute to molecular cloning, antibody production, automated liquid handling, and experiments in containment laboratories, subject to appropriate training and authorization.

Required Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in virology, immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Substantial recent hands-on experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
• Strong practical skills in mammalian cell culture, transfection, and cell-based experimental methods.
• Experience designing, performing, analyzing, and troubleshooting experiments.
• Familiarity with molecular biology and immunological assays.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, maintain accurate experimental records, and manage multiple experimental workflows.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with virology techniques, including pseudovirus production, viral infection assays, or virus neutralization.
• Experience with VSV-based or lentiviral vector systems.
• Familiarity with RTCA or other quantitative cell-based functional assays.
• Experience with antibody screening and characterization, including ELISA, flow cytometry, or biolayer interferometry.
• Experience with molecular cloning, protein expression, or antibody production.
• Experience working in CL2 or higher-containment research environments.
• Familiarity with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and experimental data analysis.
• Experience developing or optimizing assays and preparing technical reports or scientific manuscripts.

Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental research and have demonstrated the ability to learn new techniques, troubleshoot complex assays, and produce reliable, reproducible data.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently while contributing to collaborative projects, adapting experimental priorities as needed, and maintaining well-organized laboratory records and research materials. Prior experience with every assay platform is not expected. Strong experimental fundamentals, technical adaptability, and a demonstrated interest in virology and antibody research are particularly important.

Application Instructions

Please submit a single PDF containing:

• A cover letter describing your relevant experimental experience and interest in the position.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three professional references, preferably including at least two direct supervisors.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Work involving higher-containment facilities is subject to applicable institutional authorization and training requirements.

The Pantophlet Lab welcomes applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.